Keeping your yard in good shape requires plenty of work. You must understand the proper watering methods to help maintain a healthy lawn and plants. Depending on the season, you must consider different things to keep your lawn and plants healthy. For instance, summer heat and drought can significantly impact your lawn and plants if you don’t take proper care of them. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the best time to water grass and plants in summer.
Understanding Watering Needs
Your yard and plants aren’t necessarily going to have the same requirements for watering. Different types of grass and plants require different levels of watering to help them thrive. Most grass and plants thrive getting one to one and a half inches of water a week, but it may vary. If you aren’t sure, you can always contact a professional to learn more.
Along with different types of grass and plants, various factors affect watering needs. For example, various soil types absorb water differently, so you might have to adapt the way/times you are watering your plants. Varying weather conditions can also cause you to need to water your plants/yard more or less frequently.
General Watering Guidelines
Even with some differences in how plants/your yard should be watered, some general watering guidelines exist.
Frequency of Watering during the Summer Months
Typically, your yard/plants will need one to one and a half inches of water a week. However, that shouldn’t all be at once. You want to water around three times per week while ensuring that you are watering deeply.
Determining the Appropriate Amount of Water
If you aren’t sure how much water your plants need, there are a couple of simple ways to figure it out. One, look at the surface of the soil. If it appears cracked, it is dry and needs more water. Second, grab a fistful of the soil and squeeze it in your hand. If it forms a ball, it is moist enough. However, if it’s falling apart in your hand, it needs more water.
Techniques for Efficient Watering
While you might be tempted to get out your hose/sprayer nozzle, you have to be careful about using it to water your plants. You need to focus on the soil rather than the plant itself. If you do too much watering of the plant above the surface, the water won’t make its way down to the roots in the soil. Ensure you are aiming your water at the soil to make sure it gets moist enough.
Best Time to Water Grass
Along with how often you need to water your grass, there is also a best time of day to do your watering.
Early Morning Watering Advantages
The best time to water grass is first thing in the morning, generally before eight o’clock. It minimizes how much water you will lose to evaporation because the sun is not yet shining brightly. It also allows your grass to dry before the evening, which prevents diseases.
Midday Watering Considerations
Once you get to the middle of the day, the sun is shining more brightly, and you have an increased risk of losing a lot of water to evaporation. Also, as the sunlight increases, your grass is more likely to suffer heat stress and start browning if it hasn’t been watered. However, if the temperature is particularly hot outside, it may be beneficial to do some watering in the morning and some in the afternoon.
Evening Watering Concerns
The biggest concern with watering your lawn in the evening is the development of lawn diseases. When your yard is wet overnight, it doesn’t have the sunlight for water to evaporate quickly, and it can cause the growth of fungus. It also keeps your yard wet and can create a breeding ground for pests like mosquitos.
However, there are some exceptions for watering your yard in the evening. If your yard particularly needs water i.e., if it’s been especially hot and dry, watering it at night can help the soil maintain more water. It can also help keep your grass cool in warmer temperatures.
Best Time to Water Plants
Much like grass, there is a best time to water your plants. Watering your plants in the morning ensures they get the hydration they need before the sun evaporates all the water. This, in turn, helps support photosynthesis and growth in your plants. However, if you have new or transplanted plants, you must water them whenever the soil looks dry or if they are beginning to wilt. Similarly, potted plants and hanging baskets absorb water much more quickly, so they will need to be watered every day or even a couple of times a day. If you stick your finger down two inches into the soil and it is dry, it needs more water.
Watering Tips for Hot and Dry Periods
In Indiana, there will be some hot and dry periods. During these times, you need to pay extra attention to your grass and plants. If you notice that your soil seems cracked or is dry just below the surface, or your plants are wilting, then your plant is likely dehydrated and needs water. Ensure when you are watering that you focus on the soil and get the water in deep. You can also add mulch around the plant to help it retain more water.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best time to water grass and plants in summer is early in the morning. However, if it is particularly hot or your plants are wilting, you may need to water more than once a day. You want to make sure you are watering throughout the week rather than doing it all in one day. This ensures that you are keeping your plants/grass well hydrated. Following these tips will help you keep a healthy and thriving lawn. If you need more help with your lawn, then contact your local experts, Bloomington Landscape for more information. We are always happy to come out and give you a free estimate. Fast & friendly service guaranteed!
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